Downtown flashmob sends anti-violence message

Several dozen students and a few teachers strutted their stuff downtown during a noonhour flashmob to draw awareness to violence against women.

The collection of St. Lawrence Secondary School students and teachers is part of a worldwide movement to show solidarity against violent acts and oppression, said Abi Fontaine, one of the organizers of the flashmob at Pommier Square.

"It's very much an empowerment project," said Fontaine, also a dance teacher at St. Lawrence. "There are no sponsors or anything like that. It's art with a purpose."

The Cornwall flashmob was part of "One Billion Rising" - an international movement that spotlights violence against women and ways for individuals to cast aside oppresive actions.

The organization's website suggests one in three women worldwide will be raped or beaten in their lifetime.